Work starts next week on “radical” cycling plans for Belfast

Campaigners say this is the start of a cycling revolution for the city…and the death of Cyclesaurus

Plans to improve life for Belfast’s cyclists have been described by campaigners as the start of a “cycling revolution” for the city.

Work starts next week on the £800,000 trial scheme, which includes a new East-West route across the city, a new bicycle-only street, improvements to existing infrastructure and car parking spaces replaced by protected cycle tracks.

Three new routes will be completed by March, spelling the death of two of Belfast’s much maligned pieces of cycling infrastructure, dubbed ‘Cyclesaurus’ because of the cycle lane’s tapering shape, and the ‘Bin Lane’, which was often populated with wheelie bins and delivery vehicles.

Northern Ireland Transport Minister, Michelle McIlveen, said: “These routes will provide greater protection for people who choose to make journeys across the city by bike. In addition to supporting the successful Belfast Bike Share Scheme they will also help more commuters gain confidence to use the bicycle as an alternative and sustainable mode of transport."

The plans have been described by the campaigner behind NI Greenways, Jonathan Hobbs, as “radical”.He said there were major implications for the future of cycling in Belfast.“These plans were […]